Best Travel Credit Cards Guide

Travel credit cards offer incredible benefits for anyone looking to earn massive rewards points during domestic and international expeditions. Particularly, if you travel regularly as a pastime or business activity, then you may want to consider enrolling for a travel credit card membership.

However, if you’re new to applying, finding the best travel credit cards can be a challenge. This is especially true when you consider that every travel card is aimed toward different individuals and offers an array of different benefits.

If you want to find the difference between some of the options available, then this best travel credit cards guide can help you decide on which variants to take a closer look at.

1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Annual Fee: $95
Regular APR: 17.24% – 24.49% Variable APR
Introductory APR: N/A
Acceptable Credit Score: 690-850
Best For: Flat-rate travel rewards

Specifications:

Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
Members can earn unlimited 2x miles for every purchase they make every day.
Your miles will never expire, leaving you to earn as many as you can without any limit.
Members can stay at any hotel, fly at any airline anytime without any blackdate dates. They can also transfer their rewards points to more than 15 loyalty programs.
There aren’t any foreign transaction fees.

Pros:

There is a rewarding sign-up bonus.
There aren’t any foreign transaction fees.
Members can take advantage of a high rewards rate.
Cardholders can redeem their rewards points via numerous loyalty programs.

Cons:

There is an annual fee.
Members must have good or excellent credit.
The redemption value for travel for travel is more than half of cash.

Click here to learn more and to view other options

2. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit card

Annual Fee: $0
Regular APR: 13.99% – 23.99% Variable APR
Introductory APR: 0% for the first year
Acceptable Credit Score: 690-850
Best For: Flat-rate travel rewards + no annual fee

Specifications:

Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent.
There isn’t an annual fee nor foreign transaction fees.
You can earn 25,000 bonus points once you pay $1,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account. This can result in a $250 credit towards your account.
There are no blackout dates or restrictions when using your credit card. Members can use their credit card to book any trip whenever they want.
Cardholders can redeem their points to purchase travel and dining expenses, such as restaurants, takeout, baggage fees, hotels, flights, and vacation rentals.
There is a 0% introductory APR. After 12 months, it will increase to 13.99% – 23.99% Variable APR.
Cardholders can earn 25% – 75% rewards points on every purchase if they become a Preferred Rewards member.
This credit card provides the security of a chip card.

Pros:

There isn’t an annual fee or any foreign transaction fees.
Members can take advantage of a flat rewards rate for every purchase.
You can book any type of travel you want.
You can earn more rewards points if you invest in Merrill or open an account with Bank of America.

Cons:

There are more restrictions than a typical cash back card.
There are better cards with higher rewards if you spend a lot of money and have excellent credit.

Click here to learn more and to view other options

4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Annual Fee: $550
Regular APR: 16.99% – 23.99% Variable APR
Introductory APR: N/A
Acceptable Credit Score: 720-850
Best For: Bonus travel rewards + high-end benefits

Specifications:

Members can earn 60,000 bonus points once you spend at least $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account.
Cardholders can receive a $300 travel credit on the anniversary of opening their account.
Members will earn 3x rewards points on travel immediately after receiving their $300 travel credit.
Rewards points can receive 50% more value when they’re redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Your rewards points can receive 50% more value when they’re also redeemed against existing purchases.
Hotel or airline loyalty programs offer a 1:1 point transfer.
Members can receive access to more than 1,300+ airport lounges.

Pros:

There is a large sign-up bonus for cardholders.
Members can take advantage of a high rewards rate.
This credit card offers high value benefits.
The metal card provides a cool-factor.
There isn’t a foreign transaction fee.

Cons:

The high annual fee can be problematic for some cardholders.
Many people won’t qualify, as cardholders need to have excellent credit.

Click here to learn more and to view other options

How to Choose One of the Best Travel Credit Cards

For beginners, choosing the right travel credit card can be a challenge. To make an ideal selection, here are some tips to follow:

Choose a credit card with a high sign-up bonus and rewards. Specifically aim for a credit card that offers rewards 1.5% to 2% of your purchases.
Sign for a credit card that offers protections. For example, if you make frequent travels, you should look for a credit card that offers baggage protection or rental car coverage.
Select a credit card with broad international acceptance. If you make yearly trips abroad, avoid selecting credit card brands that aren’t widely accepted outside the U.S.